Strongest over the counter toenail fungus treatment

Get rid of toenail fungus fast with home remedies like vinegar, baking soda, peroxide, and more, or use these effective OTC and RX toenail fungus treatments when natural remedies don't work.

Risk factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Home remedies | Unsafe home remedies | Over-the-counter medicine | Prescription drugs | When to see a doctor | FAQs

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms. 

Risk factors

When your feet sweat or remain moist or damp, the opportunity for the fungus to grow on your toenails increases. Frequent exposure to warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or even living in a humid climate places you more at risk of developing these types of infections. This is also why these infections seem to be more prevalent during the summer months. 

Men have been known to develop toenail fungus infections more than women as well as individuals with weakened immune systems—people with diabetes, poor circulation, and older adults. Individuals who frequent nail salons (where supplies are not properly cleaned) may also be placing themselves at risk of developing and spreading fungal infections to their feet. Evidence of a toenail infection includes discoloration in nail color which may be white, yellow, brown, or even black. The nail may become thickened, which makes it difficult for you to care for the nail on your own. Foul odor, brittleness, or even complete separation of the nail from the nail bed may occur. 

Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of a toenail fungal infection include:

• Discolored toenails (yellow, brown, or white)
• Thick toenails
• Fragile or cracked toenails

In most cases, a fungal toenail infection usually does not cause pain unless the infection is severe. In some cases, the fungus can affect the foot as well, especially between the toes. This is called athlete’s foot. 

Diagnosis

In order to confirm a toenail fungus, your doctor will first evaluate your feet. They may also decide to perform a culture where samples of the nail or skin may be taken for further evaluation at a laboratory. Because there are other causes of nail changes (psoriasis, microtrauma, poor nutrition, staining from nail polish), this is a vital step in picking the most appropriate treatment.

15 best home remedies for toenail fungus

A variety of treatment options for toenail fungus are available, including drug-free alternatives, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, prescription drugs, laser treatment, or even surgical removal for those severe cases. Many people would rather start with items they have around the house before purchasing medication or visiting their doctor’s office. These treatments are most effective in mild fungal cases.

Unfortunately, there are no “quick fixes” when it comes to treating nail fungus. This is because a new toenail must grow to replace the old, damaged toenail. This can take up to 18 months to regrow the toenail. This time frame varies on how fast or slow your toenails grow and how severe the fungal infection is. Many home remedies quickly improve the appearance of the nail, but the actual fungus is not gone until the new, healthy nail has replaced the old, damaged one.

Try some of these effective home remedies for toenail fungus:

1. Weekly maintenance
2. Clean socks and shoes
3. Hydrogen peroxide
4. Black tea
5. Vinegar
6. Baking soda
7. Epsom salt
8. Essential oils
9. Ozonated oils
10. Olive leaf extract
11. Snakeroot extract
12. Garlic
13. Cornmeal
14. Diet changes
15. Exercise

1. Weekly maintenance

First, prepare your nails for treatment by trimming and filing them once a week. Clipping toenails relieves pressure on the nails and helps antifungal solutions penetrate the nail. Use traditional toenail clippers and an Emory board to keep nails short and thin. Make sure to disinfect utensils after each use. Maintaining trimmed, clean, and dry nails will be essential in treating toenail fungus and preventing it in the future.

2. Clean socks and shoes

Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can be washed to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear, but make sure they are completely dry before wearing them again.

Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus. 

Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean, dry socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear. 

A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus. 

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak. Mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide (or several capfuls) to four cups of cool water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse feet with warm water and pat dry.

4. Black tea

Soaking feet in plain tea can also be beneficial in treating toenail or foot fungus. Black tea contains tannic acid that dries out the feet, kills bacteria, and helps to close the foot’s pores to reduce sweating. Boil two quarts of water then add five to six tea bags. Allow the solution to cool and soak feet for 30 minutes. Use this foot soak daily if desired. 

5. Vinegar

Another home remedy to treat toenail fungus includes the use of apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. Its acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. Try one part vinegar to two parts warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes daily. If the smell is too overwhelming, a few drops of essential oils can be added to make the experience more pleasant. White vinegar can be used as an alternative as both are equally effective.

6. Baking soda

Add baking soda to a foot soak to try to heal the affected nail. You can also make a paste of baking soda with a minimal amount of water and apply it directly to the foot. Allow the paste to sit on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry the foot thoroughly.

Baking soda can also be sprinkled in the shoes like foot powder. Sprinkle on some baking soda, then shake the shoes gently to distribute the powder. Let the shoes sit for at least 24 hours, then shake out any remaining baking soda. 

You can also sprinkle baking soda onto the foot. Once applied to a dry foot, put on clean socks; the baking soda can wick away moisture while healing properties work to reduce toenail fungus.

7. Epsom salt

Soaking feet in an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath can be beneficial to relieve your foot fungus. You can mix one cup of Epsom salt to two quarts of warm to hot water and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. You could also try a more elaborate Epsom salt concoction that includes:

• 4 cups warm to hot water
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup vinegar

Mix all of the ingredients and soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes. A few drops of essential oils are a great addition to foot baths. Essential oils with healing properties to treat foot fungus are listed below. Following your foot soak, rinse your feet with clean water and pat dry with a clean towel. To avoid contaminating clean feet, put on clean socks and breathable shoes following your foot bath.

8. Essential oils

Essential oils are gaining popularity in homeopathic treatment to heal a variety of common ailments. Many essential oils have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some essential oils that could help reduce toenail fungus include:

• Tea tree oil
• Clove oil
• Clary sage oil
• Lavender oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Lemon oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Thieves oil
• Wild oregano oil
• Manuka tree oil

Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, before applying them to the skin. Mix the desired oil or combination of oils with a carrier oil of your choice and apply a few drops to the affected nail. As previously mentioned, you can also add two to three drops of essential oils to footbaths.

9. Ozonated oils

Ozonated oils, such as olive and sunflower oil, contain ozone gas. The idea is that ozone delivers oxygen to the affected areas, which kills bacteria and stimulates skin cells for faster healing. One study found that ozonated oil is an effective home remedy for toenail fungus caused by certain strains. Researchers tested ozonized sunflower oil on 101 samples of yeast. The oil was an effective treatment against several fungal strains. To try this remedy, clean and dry your foot first. Gently massage a small amount of ozonated oil into the skin, working it into the affected nails and around the entire toe.

10. Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein, which is a natural antifungal and antimicrobial. A salve made from the olive leaf can be applied to the toenails to reduce infection. Or, you can take oral capsules containing the extract to try to boost the immune system and treat toenail fungus systemically. Consult your healthcare provider before taking olive leaf extract. The dosing varies by formulation. 

11. Snakeroot extract

Snakeroot extract, made from plants in the sunflower family, is an all-natural antifungal homeopathic treatment also used to treat toenail fungus. Commonly used in Ayurvedic practices in India, snakeroot extract can be applied directly to the affected toenail. Apply the extract two to three times a week for several months. Ask your healthcare provider if snakeroot extract is right for your type of foot fungus. 

12. Garlic

Garlic is a potent antimicrobial plant. For topical treatment, chop cloves of garlic and leave it on the affected nails for 30 minutes daily for a week. Use raw garlic sparingly, as it can result in a chemical burn.

Ask a pharmacist about herbal supplements that contain garlic. These supplements can be taken orally to not only treat skin infections but also can help high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, and lower the risk of tick bites. Garlic supplements should not be taken by people with stomach ulcers, digestion problems, or bleeding disorders. It might also make birth control pills less effective. Talk to a healthcare professional before taking oral garlic supplements.

13. Cornmeal

Cornmeal has some antifungal properties. You can try cornmeal as a weekly home remedy for toenail fungus.

You can try applying cornmeal as a paste or a soak. For a paste, dissolve cornmeal in warm water in a shallow pan. Let the paste cool before using it on your feet. Let it sit for an hour. 

As a soak, add an inch of cornmeal to a shallow container. Pour an inch of warm water on top of the cornmeal, letting the cornmeal and water mix naturally for an hour. Then, after an hour, add enough warm water to cover your entire foot and let it soak for an hour. 

14. Diet changes

Your current diet could be feeding fungus caused by Candida overgrowth. Here are some diet changes you can make to starve the yeast and improve toenail fungus:

• Cut out sugar
• Don’t drink alcohol
• Limit refined carbohydrates such as white breads, cookies, and cereal
• Cook with coconut oil
• Incorporate ginger and garlic
• Supplement with a probiotic

15. Exercise

Regular exercise can expedite the healing process. As blood pumps faster through the body, it releases natural vitamins and flushes toxins. Just be sure to practice proper hygiene to avoid making toenail fungus worse. Wear socks that wick away excess moisture, use antifungal foot powder, remove shoes and socks immediately after a workout to let feet breathe, and wear flip-flops or sandals in shower rooms or pools. Remember to wash your feet with antibacterial soap and completely dry your feet after your shower.

Unsafe home remedies for toenail fungus

Although there are many effective home remedies for toenail fungus, there are still some natural and household products that can cause more harm than good. For example, you should never use bleach to get rid of toenail fungus. Its use may be toxic to the skin and cause severe skin irritation when not used properly. 

Additionally, you should never use overly hot water when performing the variety of foot soaks mentioned above. Excessive heat to the nails and skin will not kill fungus—and extreme temperatures may injure the skin causing burns, blisters, and sometimes permanent skin damage. Always use lukewarm water for soaking.

Urine is another home remedy that should be avoided. Previously, it had been believed to be effective against fungal infections due to its urea contents. While urea can help soften the nail bed to make it easier for antifungal medication to be absorbed, urine does not contain enough urea to be effective.

And, finally, do not remove or excessively trim toenails at home. Fungal toenails should be properly trimmed and maintained on a regular basis, but do not remove too much nail. If toenail clipping or removal is not done properly, damage to the nail bed may cause additional injury to the nail, which can be irreversible. There also is the risk of causing bacterial infections when the damaged nail is not removed properly. 

If the natural remedies for toenail fungus listed above do not work, there are other effective treatments for toenail fungus available at the drugstore.

Over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment options

While home treatments can be the cure you are looking for to treat toenail fungus, they’re not regulated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, sprays, and even medicated nail polish are available. Home remedies can often enhance the efficacy of these products.

Vicks VapoRub

One of the more popular over-the-counter remedies for treating toenail fungus is using Vicks VapoRub. Mentholated salves contain the natural ingredients menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor. Use Vicks alone or in conjunction with other treatments and medications. Clean feet and apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub daily.

Listerine

Soaking an infected nail in the OTC product Listerine can also help reduce or kill toenail fungus, due to its antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Commonly used as a mouthwash, Listerine applied to the affected toe or toenail for 20 minutes twice a day can effectively reduce signs of onychomycosis. Alternatively, you can make a foot bath with Listerine, using equal parts warm water and Listerine and adding one cup of Epsom salts.

Athlete’s foot medication

Athlete’s foot sprays, powders, and creams are helpful in stopping fungal growth before it develops on the toenail or surrounding flesh. Brand-name products that you can purchase without a prescription include Tinactin (tolnaftate), Micatin (miconazole), Lamisil (terbinafine), and Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole). Ask a pharmacist at your local drugstore which is the best medication for your symptoms.

RELATED: Athlete’s foot treatments and medications

Toenail fungus prescription medication treatments

Sometimes prescription medications are needed to treat a toenail infection that just won’t go away with natural remedies or over-the-counter medication in a few months. In this case, prescription-strength antifungal medication can eradicate stubborn onychomycosis.

Topical antifungal medications often are effective in treating mild to moderate toenail fungus. Topical solutions may include medicated nail polishes or liquid medications. Penlac (ciclopirox), Kerydin (tavaborole), and Jublia (efinaconazole) are among the top prescription drugs for toenail fungus. Some topical treatments require you to file down the surface of the nail to help the treatment get through to the nail bed. If your healthcare provider prescribes a topical medication, follow the instructions carefully for application and removal. 

Oral antifungal medications can come in capsules, tablets, or liquid. Some common prescriptions are Diflucan (fluconazole), Lamisil (terbinafine), Onmel (itraconazole), and Sporanox (itraconazole).

Side effects of toenail fungus medication

One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medication’s list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, healthcare provider, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs. 

Other medical treatments

You can ask your doctor about other types of procedures or treatments. One popular option is laser therapy. There are several FDA-approved devices. However, laser therapy usually requires several sessions over time and may be expensive (and may not be covered by insurance). 

When to see a doctor about toenail fungus

If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition. 

Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so it’s important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.

Frequently asked questions about toenail fungus

What does toenail fungus look like?

The toenails may thicken and/or look misshapen. They may also change color, to a white, yellow, or brown color. Sometimes they start to separate from the nail bed or crack or break in some spots. 

Does toenail fungus hurt?

In most cases, toenail fungus is not painful—it looks worse than it feels.

Can I wear nail polish if I have toenail fungus?

Although the nail will grow with or without polish, it’s best to skip the pedicures for a while. While it can be tempting to hide the condition, nail polish can trap moisture from the nail bed, making it a welcoming environment for fungi. Nail polish can also interfere with topical treatments. Switch to socks and sneakers for a more comfortable way to hide toenail fungus. 

What kills toenail fungus fast?

The best way to figure out how to get rid of your toenail fungus as quickly as possible is to see your healthcare provider at the first sign of changes in the nails. Your healthcare provider can examine the affected toenail(s) and take a sample if necessary, then make a recommendation on the best treatment for you. Even though treatments can help, the nail may take up to 18 months to grow out. Unfortunately, although there are many remedies to try, whether natural, over-the-counter, or prescription, it can take a while for the affected toenail(s) to return to normal. 

When should I consult my doctor about toenail fungus? 

Anyone with toenail fungus can try home remedies or OTC treatments, but some prefer to go right to their healthcare provider for a more aggressive treatment with prescription medication. 

People with certain conditions, such as a compromised immune system, diabetes, or circulation problems, should see their doctor for toenail fungus. Anyone with signs of infection, such as pain, redness, or pus around the toenail, should seek medical care. People who have used home remedies or OTC treatments without success should also see their doctor. 

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